LA Metro Considers New Police Force

LOS ANGELES, CA - The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, commonly known as LA Metro, is considering the creation of its own transit police force. This decision comes after years of public criticism regarding the current law enforcement agency's handling of security issues on the Metro system.

Currently, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is responsible for providing security on the Metro. However, the department has faced significant backlash for its handling of incidents involving excessive force and racial profiling. These incidents have prompted calls from community activists and politicians to create a more accountable and community-oriented police force.

The proposal to create a new transit police force was discussed at a recent meeting of the LA Metro Board of Directors. According to sources, the new police force would be under the direct control of LA Metro, with a focus on community policing and de-escalation tactics. The proposal also includes a plan to hire officers who are better equipped to handle mental health crises and other sensitive situations.

In a statement released after the meeting, LA Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins said, "Our customers deserve a transit system that is safe and secure, and we are committed to making that a reality. We believe that creating our own transit police force will help us achieve that goal by providing better training and oversight of our security personnel."

The proposal has received mixed reactions from the community. Some residents have expressed support for the creation of a new police force, while others have raised concerns about the potential cost and effectiveness of such a move.

The LA Metro Board of Directors has not yet made a final decision on the proposal. They are expected to continue discussing the matter in the coming weeks, with a decision likely to be made in the near future.

If the proposal is approved, LA Metro would become one of several transit agencies across the country to establish its own police force. The move is seen as a way to increase accountability and improve relations between law enforcement and the communities they serve.